Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) held the final conference for its Legal Reform Program, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward strengthening the rule of law in Uzbekistan. The event brought together over 150 participants, including representatives from the Oliy Majlis, the Ministry of Justice, and various international and national organizations, to reflect on the program’s achievements and impact.
Since the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between USAID and the Ministry of Justice in 2018, the program has provided needs-based support in the areas of gender equality, legislative improvement, legal education, and fostering an enabling environment for civil society – crucial components that reinforce the rule of law by ensuring fairness, clarity, empowerment, accountability, and active citizen participation.
“USAID is proud to contribute to reinforcing the rule of law in Uzbekistan through its flagship project whose results have exceeded expectations. I am grateful to the Government of Uzbekistan and our numerous national counterparts who have been dedicated and tireless collaborators in our joint efforts,” remarked Edward Michalski, USAID Deputy Mission Director in Uzbekistan.
The USAID Legal Reform Program achieved several significant milestones, including the development of Uzbekistan's first gender equality law and the revision of nearly 30 draft laws, policies, and regulations. Additionally, the program created around 50 educational courses that have been integrated into the permanent curricula of undergraduate and graduate legal institutions nationwide.
The program has also empowered legal institutions, including the Ombudsperson’s and Business Ombudsperson’s offices, through donated equipment, enhancing their ability to serve their clients effectively. Notably, over 900,000 individuals from vulnerable groups received free legal aid, restoring their rights, while more than 7 million people benefited from the USAID-supported legal advice portal, advice.uz. The program also trained approximately 15,000 specialists to advance gender equality and female empowerment.
The legacy of the USAID Legal Reform Program includes a wealth of sustainable resources—textbooks, handbooks, research reports, and analyses of legal documents—that will continue to serve professionals across various fields.
Through its collaboration with national partners, the program has modernized legal education in Uzbekistan in line with international best practices and made justice more accessible to all citizens, while pioneering efforts to ensure equal opportunities for women and men and eradicate violence against women.
